| ou looking for a way to stay fit and have fun in the | | | | combined combines scoring of jumping and |
| winter? Consider cross-country skiing! Depending on | | | | cross-country skiing events. Ski orienteering involves |
| your weight, the intensity of your skiing, and | | | | a marker search on skis with the help of a compass |
| whether or not you choose to ski hills, cross country | | | | and map. |
| skiing may burn between 400 and 1400 calories per | | | | Compared to downhill skiing, the gear used for |
| hour. In fact, since cross-country skiing involves a | | | | cross-country skiing is some of the most affordable |
| simultaneous use of the arms and legs, many | | | | outdoor sports equipment available. You will need the |
| exercise physiologists consider it to be the best form | | | | following types of equipment for cross-country skiing: |
| of aerobic exercise. The main difference between | | | | - Skis with bindings attached, |
| cross country Skiing and alpine or downhill skiing is | | | | - Poles and boots. |
| that cross country skiing, the skier is attached to the | | | | - Clothing suitable for cold-weather aerobic activity |
| ski only with the toe of the boot.. In alpine skiing, the | | | | Some people choose to go cross-country skiing on |
| entire boot is attached to the ski. The free heel | | | | packed trails, while others like to ski anywhere there |
| allows cross-country skiers to climb uphill which is not | | | | is snow. There is a distinct difference between skiing |
| very comfortable in alpine skis. | | | | on packed trails and skiing "off-track". On packed |
| Cross-country skiing dates back to Scandinavia | | | | surfaces your skis will have greater gliding ability and |
| 4000-4500 years ago, when it was used as a | | | | with classic tracks, you will have two grooved |
| method of transportation. Today, the sport is divided | | | | channels that your skis can follow. Off-track ski |
| into two disciplines: classic skiing which uses a | | | | conditions are dependent on the weather and any |
| straight-ahead gliding motion, and ski skating which | | | | previous skiers that have been in the area. However, |
| makes use of glide and edge movements similar to | | | | off-track skiing can feature obstacles such as fallen |
| ice skating or roller blading. | | | | trees, swollen rivers and inconsistent snow quality. |
| Cross-country skiing is part of the Nordic family of | | | | This is usually not an issue in commercial |
| sports, which include a number of exciting ways to | | | | cross-country ski areas, who conduct extensive trail |
| play in the snow. Biathlon is a combination of | | | | work throughout the summer months. |
| cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship. Nordic | | | | |